Apology legislation refers to statutory provisions that remove legal disincentives to offering an apology in the context of civil disputes. The legislation clarifies and, in many cases, alters what would otherwise be the legal consequences of an apology, principally by reforming the law of evidence. A principal aim of apology …

The importance of apologies in resolving civil disputes is well documented amongst researchers, practitioners and lawmakers. Yet fears that an apology will be treated as an admission of liability or disentitle a defendant to claim an insurance payout often puts a ‘chill’ on apologetic behaviour. Recognising the value that an …